Freshwater and Estuarine Gradings

EXPLANATION OF GRADES *

VERY GOOD

Water quality tests and assessment of potential contamination sources indicate beaches within this category are considered to have very good water quality. This indicates there may be some indirect runoff from low-intensity agriculture/urban/rural/bush catchments, but there are likely to be no significant sources of faecal contamination.

Recommendation: Considered satisfactory for swimming at all times, and therefore may not require monitoring on a regular basis.

GOOD

Water quality tests and assessment of potential contamination sources indicate that beaches within this category are considered to have generally good water quality. On occasions (such as after high rainfall) there may be increased risk of contamination from run-off. Such sites receive run-off from one or more of the following sources and may contain animal or human faecal material:

River discharges impacted by tertiary treated wastewater, combined sewer overflows, intensive agriculture/rural catchments, feral bird/animal populations;
River discharges impacted by run-off from low-intensity agricultural/urban/rural catchment;
Direct discharges from stormwater not contaminated by sewage, boat moorings or marinas;
Direct discharges from low-intensity agriculture.

Recommendation: Satisfactory for swimming most of the time. Exceptions may include following rainfall. Such beaches are monitored regularly throughout the summer season and warning signs will be erected if water quality deteriorates.

FAIR

Water quality tests and assessment of potential contamination sources indicate that beaches within this category are considered to have generally fair water quality. However, events such as high rainfall increase the risk of contamination levels from run-off. Such sites receive run-off from one or more of the following sources and may contain animal or human faecal material:

River discharges impacted by tertiary treated wastewater, combined sewer overflows, sewer overflows, intensive agriculture/rural catchments, significant feral bird/animal populations;
River discharges impacted by run-off from low-intensity agricultural/urban/rural catchment;
Direct discharges from stormwater not contaminated by sewage, boat moorings or marinas;
Direct discharges from low-intensity agriculture.

Recommendation: Generally satisfactory for swimming, though there are many potential sources of faecal material. Caution should be taken during periods of high rainfall, and swimming avoided if water is discoloured. Sites are monitored weekly and warning signs erected if water quality deteriorates.

POOR

Water quality tests and assessment of potential contamination sources indicate that beaches within this category are considered to have generally poor water quality. These sites receive run-off from one or more of the following sources and may contain animal or human faecal material:

Tertiary treated wastewater;
Urban stormwater, intensive agriculture, unrestricted stock access, dense bird populations;
Low-intensity agriculture, marinas or boat moorings, urban stormwater not contaminated by sewage;
River discharges containing untreated/primary/secondary treated wastewater or on-site waste treatment systems;
River discharges impacted by tertiary treated wastewater, combined sewer overflows, intensive agricultural/rural catchments, feral bird/animal populations.

Recommendation: Generally not okay for swimming, as indicated by historical results. Swimming should be avoided, particularly by the very young, very old and those with compromised immunity. Permanent warning signs may be erected at these sites, although councils may monitor these sites weekly and post temporary warnings.

VERY POOR

Water quality tests and assessment of potential contamination sources indicate beaches within this category are considered to have generally very poor water quality. These sites receive run-off from one or more of the following sources and may contain animal or human faecal material:

Untreated/primary/secondary treated wastewater;
On-site waste treatment systems;
Tertiary treated wastewater;
Urban stormwater, intensive agriculture, unrestricted stock access, dense bird populations;
River discharges containing untreated /primary/secondary treated wastewater or on-site waste treatment systems.

Recommendation: Avoid swimming as there are direct discharges of faecal material. Permanent signage may be erected at the beach stating that swimming is not recommended.

* From: Ministry for the Environment and Ministry of Health (2003). Microbiological Water Quality Guidelines for Marine and Freshwater Recreational Areas.